La Dolce Vita Restaurant Review

: A celebrity favorite since it opened in 1966 --- often frequented by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack --- this Italian eatery has maintained its intimate atmosphere with roomy leather booths, brick walls, white linen-topped tables illuminated by miniature lamps, and the charming maître d', Ruben, who knows your name and preferred table and dishes. Though the classic Italian menu does not offer pizza, there are many other dishes from which to choose, such as baked goat cheese served with spinach, calamari or zucchini fritti; minestrone; and a shrimp and avocado salad for appetizers. From the long list of pastas, we have enjoyed the eggplant stuffed with angel hair pasta, fresh tomato, basil and melted mozzarella. Servers will finish your entrées tableside by cutting the calf's liver seasoned with balsamic vinegar, the lamb chops, or broiled wild-caught salmon. If you opt for the sausages, note that they are made in the kitchen, which will also be happy to prepare almost any dish that you request and don't see on the menu. To stay in the Italian repertoire, choose the ricotta cheesecake or tartufo to end your dinner. The full bar complements the short wine list composed of Italian and California selections. And the sweet life continues at La Dolce Vita…

I suffered an inexcusable experience with La Dolce Vita. I made a reservation almost 2 months in advance (52 days to be exact) to secure a dinner for my girlfriend’s birthday. I scheduled her birthday plans around this reservation which was to be the grand finale of the day. We flew into LA the night before and the first voicemail I received when we landed was that our reservation was canceled. I was immediately upset as this effectively left me no time to reserve a table at a more hospitable restaurant and, as a result, clearly ruined our birthday plans. I was confused why they would wait 51 days to call to tell me that my reservation was cancelled; do they not review their books regularly? Surely, it seems that accommodating confirmed reservations would be a priority at any quality restaurant, so I called for an explanation. Kim answered, I explained the above, and again she said our confirmed reservation was canceled. She offered no explanation as to why she waited until the last minute to notify me and offered no compensation in any form for their incompetence. Instead she said it was “a tough economy;” I was stunned by such a shameful cop-out. So, I asked to speak to a manager. The next minute or so was filled with a back and forth with the basic message that he would tell me the same thing and “has worked there for 40 years” (I guess somehow implying that he is above speaking to upset guests on the phone or spending time to alleviate customer concerns). I insisted on speaking with him and it was at this point that the true character of this restaurant was exposed. In one classless statement, Ruben said “there is nothing we will do for you, don’t call me again” and then hung up. Obviously, I was offended and now feel compelled to share my story with other would-be diners since the restaurant’s management does not care and would hear none of it. A simple google search reveals plenty of alternatives in the area. There is certainly no need to trust any important dates with La Dolce Vita.